Paul McQuistan agrees to deal with Cleveland

The Seahawks weren’t expected to re-sign free agent Paul McQuistan, and on Monday the Cleveland Browns announced they have agreed to terms on a deal with the offensive lineman who spent the last three seasons in Seattle.

McQuistan started 40 games in three seasons with Seattle, and was most valuable for the versatility that allowed him to start at three different positions—right and left guard as well as left tackle when Russell Okung was injured. McQuistan started 14 games last season, eight for Okung at left tackle, and six at guard. He spent much of the season sharing time at left guard with James Carpenter.

The Seahawks also lost Breno Giacomini earlier in free agency, and in both cases it was expected that the Seahawks weren’t going to be willing to pay the price to keep veterans who would command a higher salary.

The Seahawks signed Stephen Schilling last week, an offensive lineman who doesn’t have the experience of McQuistan, but who like McQuistan can play multiple positions. Seattle also added former packers guard Greg Van Roten earlier in the offseason.